Glen Ellyn Dethatching Lawn Services

Our Dethatching Lawn Process

Contact Glen Ellyn’s Department of Public Works for Dethatched Material Disposal & Yard Waste Collection

Proper disposal of dethatched lawn material in Glen Ellyn is managed through the Village’s comprehensive yard waste collection program, which typically operates from April through November. Residents are required to separate thatch, grass clippings, and leaves, placing them in biodegradable paper bags (plastic bags are not accepted) or rigid containers up to 32 gallons. Commercial contractors must adhere to specific fee structures and may require permits for large-scale disposal. The Village also operates a yard waste drop-off site with set hours and permit requirements, ensuring that all organic material is processed in accordance with local and state waste reduction goals. Accepted materials include dethatched thatch, grass clippings, leaves, and small branches, but must be free of trash and non-organic debris. For up-to-date collection schedules, drop-off site hours, and permit information, residents should contact:

Glen Ellyn Department of Public Works
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 469-6756
Official Website: Public Works Department

Understanding Thatch Buildup in Glen Ellyn’s Heavy Clay Soils

Glen Ellyn’s lawns are predominantly established on Drummer silty clay loam and similar heavy clay soil series, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils are poorly drained, with a high water table in spring (often 12-24 inches from the surface), and feature an alkaline pH (7.0-8.5) that slows microbial activity. The result is slow decomposition of organic matter, especially in compacted, anaerobic conditions common after winter freeze-thaw cycles and spring waterlogging. Humid Illinois summers promote rapid Kentucky bluegrass growth, further contributing to thatch accumulation. A healthy thatch layer should not exceed 0.5 inches; beyond this, Glen Ellyn’s clay soils experience compounded drainage issues, restricted air movement to roots, and increased risk of fungal diseases. Visual indicators that dethatching is needed include:

• Spongy or matted grass surface
• Water ponding after light rain
• Thinning turf despite fertilization
• Moss growth in shaded areas
• Increased disease pressure (e.g., summer patch)
• Poor drought performance

Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission Requirements for Dethatching Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Dethatching near Glen Ellyn’s wetlands, streams, and conservation areas requires careful coordination with the Village’s Environmental Commission. Properties within 10-25 feet of protected areas, such as those adjacent to DuPage County Forest Preserve District lands, must obtain permits and follow buffer zone regulations to prevent erosion and protect sensitive habitats. Seasonal restrictions may apply, especially during the spring nesting season (April-May), when ground-nesting birds are present. Visual surveys for wildlife are recommended before starting work. Erosion control measures, such as temporary seeding or erosion control blankets, are mandatory for exposed clay soils, which are highly prone to sediment runoff. For guidance on environmental compliance and permit requirements, contact:

Environmental Commission
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 469-5000
Official Website: Environmental Commission

Glen Ellyn’s Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Regulations for Dethatched Material

Glen Ellyn enforces Illinois organic waste management regulations under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5), which prohibit disposal of yard waste, including dethatched material, in household trash. The Village’s yard waste collection program requires use of biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers, with no plastic bags permitted. Residents may also compost dethatched material on-site, provided compost piles are set back 5-10 feet from property lines and are properly managed by mixing thatch with leaves and maintaining adequate moisture and aeration. These practices support Glen Ellyn’s sustainability and waste reduction initiatives. For more information on composting guidelines, collection schedules, and disposal requirements, contact:

Glen Ellyn Department of Public Works
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 469-6756
Official Website: Public Works Department

Post-Dethatching Stormwater Management in Compliance with Glen Ellyn’s MS4 Program

After dethatching, Glen Ellyn residents must comply with the Village’s MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit requirements to protect the Lake Michigan watershed. Exposed clay soils are highly susceptible to erosion and sediment runoff, especially before turf is re-established. Best practices include immediate overseeding within 24-48 hours, application of starter fertilizer, and consistent moisture for 2-3 weeks to ensure rapid turf recovery. On slopes exceeding 10-15%, temporary erosion control blankets or mulching are recommended. Sediment barriers should be installed to protect storm drains. Work should be scheduled to avoid heavy rain events, as forecasted by the National Weather Service Chicago, and never performed on saturated clay soils to prevent rutting and compaction. For stormwater compliance and permit information, contact:

Community Development Department
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 547-5250
Official Website: Community Development Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Glen Ellyn, IL?

Glen Ellyn’s neighborhoods each present unique thatch management challenges due to variations in soil, development age, and landscape features:

• Historic Downtown: Oldest lawns, compacted Drummer silty clay loam, mature tree canopy, slow thatch decomposition, frequent moss and disease issues.
• Lake Ellyn Area: Proximity to wetlands and high water table, poorly drained soils, buffer zone regulations, increased environmental oversight.
• Ben Franklin/Forest Glen: Post-WWII development, moderate tree cover, Kentucky bluegrass dominance, compaction from decades of use.
• Glen Ellyn Woods: Near DuPage County Forest Preserve District, heavy clay, seasonal flooding, wildlife habitat considerations.
• East Branch/Arboretum Estates: Newer subdivisions, less tree cover, full sun, rapid turf growth, compaction from recent construction.
• Parkview/College View: Mix of perennial ryegrass and tall fescue, better drought tolerance, but still clay soil challenges.
• Butterfield West: HOA-managed, variable maintenance, irrigation systems promoting rapid growth and thatch.

Each area requires tailored dethatching and soil management strategies based on soil drainage, grass species, tree density, and proximity to protected lands.

Glen Ellyn Municipal Ordinances for Landscaping Operations & Equipment Use

Landscaping operations in Glen Ellyn are governed by municipal ordinances designed to protect public health, safety, and neighborhood quality of life. Power dethatchers and related equipment may typically be operated between 7 AM and 9 PM on weekdays, and 8 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays, with possible restrictions on Sundays. Noise ordinances limit decibel levels for outdoor equipment, and commercial service providers must be licensed, registered, and carry comprehensive insurance (liability and workers’ compensation). Bonding may be required for municipal contracts. All contractors must comply with Village Code Section 4-1-11 regarding licensing and insurance. For ordinance details, business registration, and code enforcement, contact:

Code Enforcement
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 547-5250
Official Website: Code Enforcement

For additional resources and best practices, residents are encouraged to consult:

• University of Illinois Extension
• Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management
• Clean Water Act
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources

By following these guidelines and utilizing Glen Ellyn’s municipal resources, residents can effectively manage thatch in challenging heavy clay soils while protecting the environment and complying with all local and state regulations.